• UK
  • 17:42 07 Nov 2009
  • |    Singapore
  • 01:42 08 Nov 2009

Civil partnership abroad

The British High Commission in Singapore is unable to carry out civil partnership registrations.

The legal paperwork you need to hold a civil partnership ceremony overseas can be confusing. You should always contact a lawyer in the UK and the local authorities abroad for advice.

Will my civil partnership be legal in the UK?
The UK currently recognises civil partnership certificates from:

  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Iceland
  • the Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • some states of the USA

What documents do I need to enter into a civil partnership abroad?
In some countries you’ll need to provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) .

You may also need to exchange the UK CNI for a Consular CNI at the British embassy / British High Commission.

The CNI and other documents may also need to be legalised by the UK Legalisation Office.

Can I get a British civil partnership certificate if I marry abroad?
No, you will get a certificate of civil partnership from the country you hold the ceremony in.

Can I register an overseas civil partnership in the UK when I return?
No, but you can have your civil partnership documents deposited with the General Register Office (GRO).  

This isn’t compulsory, but it means your certificate is kept by the GRO as an official record. We can deposit your certificate for you.

Please note: you’ll need to get your documents translated if they’re not in English.

Can my foreign partner get a British passport once we’re in a civil partnership?
If you and your partner settle in the UK after entering a civil partnership your partner can apply for naturalisation after three years. The Nationality Directorate of the  UK Border Agency  can provide more information on this.




Consular Section in Singapore

The Consular Section is open to public (for passport applications and consular assistance) from 08:45 to midday, Monday to Friday excluding High Commission holidays.

View
 British High Commission location map

For submission of passport: 08:30-12:30
For collection of passports only: 15:00-16:00

Tel: (65) 6424 4200
Fax: (65) 6424 4264
Consular.Singapore@fco.gov.uk

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